Archive for February, 2009

According to the information that has reached the Minister of Education and President of the Belize National Commission for UNESCO, the Hon. Patrick Faber, 5 of the projects submitted for funding under the biennial Participation Programme for 2008-2009 have been approved by UNESCO. Faber said that funds have already arrived in Belize for their implementation.

The Belize National Commission for UNESCO is awaiting the approval of the 5 other projects that have been submitted by Belize for the same period.

A global awards program Pioneers of Prosperity hinges on innovative and vibrant private enterprises that are capable of inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs in emerging economies.

On February 10, 2009, Pioneers of Prosperity, in conjunction with BELTRAIDE, the Belize Chamber of Commerce, the Belize Tourism Industry Association, BEST, Rotary Clubs of Belize and the Inter-American Development Bank hosted a press conference. Also, it marked the official start of the Award selection process by signing the Memorandum of Understanding.

In addition to receiving a cash prize ranging from USD 5 000 to USD 100 000 to invest in their company, winners of the Pioneers of Prosperity Award will be connected to potential investors, technical expertise, and other cutting-edge entrepreneurs.

Applications for the Pioneers of Prosperity Award must be submitted online until March 9, 2009.

On February 9, 2009, a Letter of Agreement was signed to release a little over USD 1 million. The document was signed by between the Minister of National Security, Hon. Carlos Perdomo and the Charge d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Belize, His Excellency J.A. Difflily.

According to the Letter of Agreement, USD 1 million will fund the enhancement of law enforcement, improve prisons, and develop a regional fingerprint exchange system.

When signing the document, H.E. Diffily expressed hope that efforts, support and broad regional cooperation would multiply anti-crime efforts as well as improve the quality of life for those who live in the western hemisphere.

The funds are part of the “Merida Initiative” that consists of a partnership between the governments of the US, Mexico, and Central American countries. The initiative is aimed at confronting the violent gangs and organized criminal and narcotics trafficking organizations operating in the region.

On February 7, 2009, Prime Minister of Belize Dean Barrow married Kim Simplis. The wedding date was chosen because of the fact that February 7 is the anniversary of Prime Minister Barrow’s and the United Democratic Party’s victory in the polls.

The wedding took place in Savannah, Georgia for a couple of reasons. First, Kim’s mom lives there, second, others they know do not live there.